Per Bucher, Buss was upset with Rich Paul, the agent who represents James, for leaking information about the Lakers’ trade package in a proposed deal for New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis.

As an aside, ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy suggested last week on the air the Lakers should consider trading James.

“The subject of moving James, however, was contemplated by the Lakers, a team source said, weeks before (Jeff) Van Gundy aired it,” Bucher reported. “When rumors engulfed the team at the February trade deadline that it was willing to trade anyone other than James to acquire All-Star forward Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans, James’ agent, Rich Paul, was widely accused of spreading those rumors because Davis is also one of his clients.

“Paul denied to B/R that he leaked the Lakers’ interest in Davis, but Buss suspected otherwise and was furious. The idea of terminating the franchise’s relationship with Paul by moving James at least crossed Buss’ mind, the team source said, and Paul was made aware of that. That prompted Paul to reach out to Buss to clear the air, and whatever ill will existed supposedly dissipated.”

James, 34, is averaging 27,.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 8.0 assists. But the Lakers are in danger of missing the playoffs with a record of 31-36 entering Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors — their second of a five-game road trip.

Despite the addition of James, injuries and drama have resulted in a record that is just one win ahead of last year’s pace.

Both starting point guard Lonzo Ball (ankle) and swingman Brandon Ingram (shoulder) are out for the season.

3 Commentson "Report: Lakers owner Buss contemplated trading LeBron"

Except for one thing: the article about Rich Paul allegedly leaking the Lakers’ trade package for Anthony Davis didn’t come out until after trade deadline had already expired. Still, there could have been a heat of the moment reaction to trade James. At this point, the fact that it came out now, is that intended to send a message to Paul that if he ever tries that again, the Lakers will send James off to basketball Siberia? Seems rather far fetched though. I’d focus on why this thought on a possible trade of James leaked now.

This is the type of foolishness why Jerry West removed himself from doing anything with the Lakers. The Buss kids have been a disaster. We’ll see if Magic can save them from further turmoil this summer.